US President Donald Trump landed safely at Joint Base Andrews near Washington on Tuesday night after Air Force One was diverted back shortly after takeoff due to what the White House described as a “minor electrical issue.”
According to the White House, crew members on the initial flight identified a problem in the aircraft’s electrical system soon after departure. As a precaution, the Boeing 747 returned safely to Joint Base Andrews, where the president disembarked without incident.
Trip resumes on replacement aircraft
After landing, President Trump continued his journey on a smaller Boeing 757. The replacement aircraft departed just after midnight local time on Wednesday (0500 GMT), more than two hours after the original flight had taken off.
Trump is traveling to Davos, Switzerland, to attend the World Economic Forum. He is scheduled to address the forum and hold meetings with several world leaders on the sidelines of the annual gathering.
Rare but not unprecedented
Air safety incidents involving US presidents or vice presidents are rare but have occurred in the past. In 2011, Air Force One aborted a landing due to bad weather while carrying Barack Obama to an event in Connecticut.
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In 2012, Air Force Two, carrying then vice president Joe Biden, was struck by birds in California. The aircraft later landed safely without further complications.
White House assures safety
The White House emphasized that the issue with Air Force One was minor and handled according to standard safety procedures.
Officials confirmed that President Trump remains on schedule to participate in World Economic Forum sessions and diplomatic engagements in Davos.
